Animal Protective Association of Missouri: Cat Enrichment Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

We used the funding provided by the Petfinder Foundation to purchase hidey boxes for cats in our care.

The shelter can be a stressful place for any animal, no matter how hard we try to make it a comfortable, safe space. For cats, having a place to hide can help them feel more secure and reduce their stress. The hidey boxes purchased with this funding made an incredible difference to pets cared for at the APA. With the support of the Petfinder Foundation, we were able to make sure that every cat had their own hidey box.

How many pets did this grant help?

334

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

Wilma and Gizmo were very shy cats who arrived at the APA through our transfer program. They were both terrified and had a difficult time coping with their new environment. With the help of the hidey boxes, which they utilized often, and a lot of love and patience from our team, they eventually began to trust people and become more comfortable.

They didn’t receive many adopter visits at first, but then one day a kind woman came in and wanted to meet both of them. Because they were bonded, we were elated that someone expressed interest in adopting both of them. When they were put into a meeting room with this potential adopter, they curled up to her as if she was their chosen person. As it turns out, they were her chosen cats, as well. She took them both home.

The hidey boxes made a significant impact on Wilma and Gizmo’s ability to adjust during their temporary stay in the shelter, and ultimately, because they were able to relax and trust humans, they found their forever home.

We are so grateful for the support of the Petfinder Foundation. Wilma, Gizmo, and their new family are grateful, as well.